The family of the passer-by who was killed in a city centre disturbance last weekend have paid tribute to a ‘soft natured and gentle’ man.
60-year-old Kevin Wood was tragically killed on Saturday evening in an incident close to the Printworks in the city centre.
His ‘devastated’ family say he was a ‘special’ character who was out celebrating his wife’s birthday when he was assaulted on Dantzic Street.
Greater Manchester Police have said that Kevin wasn’t involved in the initial disturbance and was a passer-by.
Dantzic Street, near where the incident took place. Credit: Google Maps
Describing Kevin, his family said: “We are struggling to put into words just how special Kevin – known as ‘Woody’ to his friends – was and how much he meant to all who knew him.
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“He was extremely hard-working, proud and loyal to his family. He was a soft natured and gentle man who always thought of others.
“Kevin was a loving husband, best friend and soul mate to his wife. Dad to his only daughter, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle who was just out celebrating his wife’s birthday. He will be a deeply missed.
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“We, as a family, are devastated at his loss.
“We would respectfully ask for privacy at this time to allow us to grieve and come to terms with this devastating incident.”
Kevin’s family are receiving support from specialist officers.
GMP are appealing for anyone with information or footage to come forward – information can now be uploaded to a Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21S39-PO1
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Details can also be reported to police on 0161 856 6377, 101 or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 2792 of 20/11/2021.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: GMP / Google Maps
News
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd November 2021 
